The structures of electrodeposits: Their characterization and the properties they affect

The structures of electrodeposits and the properties which depend on them are reviewed. The structures are usually characterized by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. They are affected by the composition of the electrolyte, the plating conditions, and particularly by growth-inhibiting foreign substances and often by the substrate. The structural characteristics are high dislocation and twin densities, a texture, and a fine grain size which is sometimes so small that the deposits can be considered to be amorphous. The structure-dependent properties are brightness, internal stress, strength, ductility, and resistance to wear and corrosion.